Former Whitecaps and Canadian national team player and coach Chris Bennett has been appointed technical director of the Okanagan Whitecaps FC for the 2009 Super Y League season.
As a player, Bennett earned nine caps with the Canadian men’s team and spent time with famed English club Chelsea FC. He also played several years in the North American Soccer League starting with the Whitecaps.
He is currently serving as a technical director of the South Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (SOYSA), and coaching the Glenfir School Academy in Summerland.
“I want to thank SOYSA for bringing me into the Okanagan,” said Bennett. “I look forward to continuing my work with SOYSA, and to now expand my role through the Okanagan region as Okanagan WFC Super Y technical director, where I hope to provide more opportunities for youths as part of Super Y throughout the Okanagan.”
Meanwhile, Geoff Greenwell has been named general manager of the Whitecaps FC.
Greenwell is the vice-chair of the Central Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (COYSA), chairman of the Lake Country Soccer Club, and league administrator for the Okanagan Valley Over 35 Men’s League. He is also a BCSA referee and referee assessor.
Born in the United Kingdom, he moved to Canada in 1992 after years of working in the Middle East and Africa in the global energy business.
Greenwell will bring his strategic planning experience and enthusiasm for the game to Okanagan WFC, and help promote the Super Y club.
“Soccer is my passion,” said Greenwell. “I look forward to blending this passion with my experience in business, to help make a difference for players in the Okanagan.”
Bennett and Greenwell are assembling a coaching staff and overseeing Super Y tryouts in Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Kamloops. There will be a Super Y Dat evaluation Saturday, Oct. 25 at Beasley Park in Lake Country.
